Hughton says he is thrilled to have finally got a player who he believes will be able to play in both full-back positions, as well as offer cover at centre-back.

"It is a relief to get the first signing done and there will be more, I'm confident of that," said Hughton, who is also looking for a striker and extra competition for places in midfield. "It all happened quite quickly in the end, but he is someone we have been trying to get for a little while now.

"He can play in a few positions, but he played at right-back against us and had a superb game at St James' Park.

"That might be where he plays for us as well, but he can play right across the back four, including left-back. He has played a fair few games on the left for Forest so he gives us cover for Jose Enrique as well."

At 24, Hughton is also confident Perch is at the right age to cope with the step up in class and pressure that a move to Newcastle has brought.

He told The Journal: "Every signing you make is a gamble, whether it is Fernando Torres or James Perch. You hope they can fit into the work ethic you have and the way the team plays.

"He is at an age where you like to think that there is still improvement and development in him.

"We hope that he will become a better player at Newcastle as he learns from playing against Premier League players. He can still progress as a player and we are confident he will do that with us."